Five Dimensional Glass Discs Can Store Data for 13 Billion Years

A new data format has been created that can last longer than the lifespan of the Universe.

Scientists from the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) used nanostructured glass to create Five Dimensional (5D) glass discs that are capable of storing 360 TB of data for up to 13.8 billion years.

The technology was first demonstrated back in 2013, but the scientists have since perfected the 'Superman memory crystal,' and have even began to preserve several major documents. This includes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Isaac Newton’s Opticks, the Magna Carta and the Kings James Bible.

The data itself is recorded onto the glass using an ultrafast laser, which writes the information in three layers of nanostructured dots separated by five micrometers (or one millionth of a meter).

"It is thrilling to think that we have created the technology to preserve documents and information and store it in space for future generations," said Professor Peter Kazansky, the team's lead researcher. "This technology can secure the last evidence of our civilization: all we’ve learnt will not be forgotten."

A paper detailing the scientists' work will be presented at the Society for Optical Engineering Conference in San Francisco on February 17. The team is also looking for industry partners, as they want to continue development on five-dimensional data storage and perhaps even commercialize it.

Kyree is a tech news writer for IGN that never has enough storage space. Follow and talk to him on Twitter @KyreeLeary.